The Company

Stears is a Pan African data company. For global funds investing in Africa, Stears is the data and insights provider that enables quick, accurate decisions during the investment process. Stears users get access to industry, company, transaction, and macro data as well as constantly updated reports by researchers. Unlike other providers, Stears goes beyond just data to provide insights and context based on knowledge of local markets and delivers it all in an easy-to-use data platform. You can find more info about Stears here.

We are looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Legal Operations Associate with in-depth knowledge of legal and regulatory matters to join our team. This individual should ideally have experience working with start-ups and providing corporate advisory services.

The Role

Why it’s important: This role will be important for ensuring the success and sustainability of the company by advising on legal and compliance risks. You will work with key stakeholders to ensure adherence to legal and compliance obligations across all parts of the business and support critical initiatives including fundraising, strategic partnerships and market expansion.

What it covers: As a Senior Legal Operations Associate, you will be responsible for managing and negotiating contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, safeguarding intellectual property and mitigating legal risks. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

Who you will work with: As a key advisor to the leadership and management team, you will work closely with the Operations Lead and report to the Chief Operating Officer. While this role is part of the Operations team, you will also engage with other amazing stakeholders like the People & Culture team, Revenue team and management to align legal strategies with Stears’ goals.

We are looking for someone with:

Qualifications

• LL.B and B.L or equivalent legal qualification.
• A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g. LLM, CFA, or similar) is a plus.
• 5 - 7 years of work experience, preferably with exposure to corporate law, financial transactions, and regulatory compliance.
• Admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. Admission in the UK or the US, or demonstrable knowledge of UK and/or US legal frameworks, will be considered an advantage.
• Strong understanding of corporate, intellectual property and data protection laws.
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, NDPR) and intellectual property laws.
• Experience working with or advising private equity firms, investment banks, or similar institutions is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• The proven ability to manage tight deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively.
• High ethical standards and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Legal Advisory (Corporate Legal Support)

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including client contracts, licensing agreements, vendor agreements, NDAs and other legal documents as needed
• Manage any disputes, working closely with external counsel if necessary.
• Advise on protecting the company’s intellectual property and address potential disputes.
• Provide legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Oversee the structuring of partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and maintain internal policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions (Nigeria, the UK and the US).
• Support board meetings, prepare resolutions and maintain corporate records.
• Advise on data privacy laws and regulations (e.g., NDPR, GDPR) and ensure compliance across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with local and international laws
• Review and update our terms of service to align with company goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel (if necessary) and regulators to address legal issues.
• Assist with the collation and preparation of company data for due diligence reviews and statutory filings.
• Monitor and advise on changes in legal and regulatory requirements across the African continent and the company’s jurisdictions.
• Manage and oversee the company’s licenses and permits.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks in our business operations and expansion plans.
• Advise on dispute resolution and manage any legal disputes or litigation.

Transactional Support:

• Support the Revenue team in structuring and closing transactions.
• Review legal aspects of financial data usage and contractual obligations with clients.
• Ensure the legality of data acquisition, storage, and dissemination practices.\

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with operations, finance, product, and revenue teams to align legal frameworks with company strategies.
• Provide training and awareness on legal matters to internal teams

Perks

• Hybrid working (office and remote as required)
• Special emphasis on learning and development
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Competitive salaries at junior, intermediate and senior levels
• Paid time off - 25 days excluding public holidays and sick days
• Access to an expert Intelligence team - Stears Intelligence team includes some of the brightest knowledge experts in Nigeria covering a wide range of sectors, all with a passion for delivering the highest quality of intelligence on the African continent.
• The Stears Experience - These are the top reasons our team members highlight as contributing to having the best experience of their careers at Stears:
  • Deepen their analytical & critical thinking skills which apply beyond a specific domain
  • Gain a high level of autonomy and responsibility by taking on responsibility for an entire industry
  • Do something meaningful by being part of a team making African data more widely available

Diversity

Stears is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, actual or presumed belonging to an ethnic group, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.